Fleece to Form

Explore colour, texture, and nature through the art of Wet Felting.

N.B This workshop includes 4 sessions , Thursday 5th & 12th March 7-9pm and Sat 14th & 21st March 10am-3pm . When purchasing your ticket you will automatically be enrolled for all 4 sessions

This immersive, hands-on textile series will take participants on a creative journey from fleece to form, celebrating the natural resources, farming traditions, and artistic potential of the Sliabh Beagh region.

Session 1 / Under the expert guidance of felting artist Elaina Woods, participants will learn traditional wool-processing techniques, carding, spinning, and fibre preparation . These sessions will reconnect people to the rural skills that once formed the backbone of everyday life in farming communities.

Session 2 / Dying Wool Fibers / You will learn about different types of dyes suitable for wool fibres, how to safely mix and apply colour, and how to achieve a range of tones and effects. The session will also cover important preparation techniques, such as soaking and handling the wool to ensure the dye is absorbed evenly. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a selection of beautifully dyed wool ready to use in the wet felting stage, along with the knowledge and confidence to continue experimenting with colour in their own projects.

Session 3 & 4 / Wet Felting / Participants will use their hand-dyed fibres to create sculptural three-dimensional vessels and tactile forms through the process of wet felting. Drawing inspiration from natural textures, the gentle contours of the landscape, and the quiet functionality of traditional rural objects, they will explore how fibre can be shaped, layered, and moulded into expressive forms. The sessions encourage sculptural thinking, inviting participants to consider structure, balance, and surface as they work. At the same time, the tactile, rhythmic nature of felting nurtures sensory creativity and a mindful connection to process. Rooted in the use of natural materials and sustainable practice, these workshops celebrate both craftsmanship and a deep respect for the environment.